Personally, I like the Oral-B brushes that have the stiffer, rubbery bristles on the side. They are currently called "Cross Action All In One" but I thinj they have changed the name over the years.

For toothpaste, I go with my dentist's recommendation of Colgate Optic White. Although I think my dentist is icerly concerned with cosmetic issues that I don't care about, and he recommended it for its whitening properties. I drink coffee and I don't care at all how white my teeth look as long as they are healthy and functional. Before that i used a vanialla flavored paste (I can't remember whether it waa crest or Colgate) that I liked a lot because it was milder than the super strong mint of most flavors. I also remember liking a charcoal toothpaste, but I didn't stick with it. I can't remember why but it may have just been more expensive.

It's worth reading the instructions. The ads and pictures, and any sort of depiction of someone brushing their teeth, always shows them loading up the whole brush with paste. The instructions usually say to only use a "pea sized" amount. Making that switch helped brushing to feel better, especially rinsing.

You can buy a UV sanitizing case for your toothbrush if you're concerned, or run it through the dishwasher, or handwash with dish detergent.

Also I find that brushing my teeth wakes me up, so I only do it in the morning. If I end up putting something unsanitary in my mouth before bed I will use mouthwash instead so that it is easier to sleep.

I just went to the dentist last week and confirmed all of my teeth are perfectly healthy (well, except one tooth but that was a mechanical accident not a maintenance issue).